A: No. Look, Adam Reynolds is a great young player and playing really well. But I would be doing him a disservice by selecting him if I had some doubt about him performing at that level.

Origin isn't about rewarding players because they are "in the moment". You have to have a lot of good football under your belt so that when your moment arrives, you are ready to grab it.

It's not about rewarding players for playing good football for a small period. You have to do it well and consistently over a long period.

One of the big criticisms of NSW has been the constant changing of their team and not giving someone an opportunity to cement their position. When I pick a player, I want them to be ready. I don't want them to not play well and then start to doubt themselves and lose confidence.

We have seen that happen over the years. Unless I think they are 100 per cent ready to go, they won't be in the side. Mitchell has played nine Origin games and we have put a lot of time and effort into him. I am confident he will show us his best.

Laurie DaleySource:The Daily Telegraph

Q: I guess NSW can't keep discarding halfbacks?

A: Most definitely. Look at Justin Hodges. Imagine if you got rid of him after his first Origin game. Look at my first game. I never felt comfortable at Origin level in my first few years. A lot of players don't.

Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston didn't come into Origin and all of a sudden be genuises.

Cooper Cronk had to bide his time. Daly Cherry-Evans is biding his time. Ben Barba is biding his time.

Q: Do you fear Queensland?

A: We fear no one. I respect Queensland, their players and their coach but I don't fear them. When we line up against them, we won't fear them.

Q: In your mind, how many spots remain up for grabs?

A: There are a couple of positions up in the air but we did only lose the series by one point last year.

Q: So it's no time for wholesale changes, Laurie?

A: You want to remain loyal to those who have been there and performed. They may well be players who aren't playing that well in club football. That has always been a criticism of NSW. If you go down the other path, you will attract criticism as well.

You have to go with the devil you know and the devil you feel comfortable with. I know as an ex-Origin player and captain that you can't buy experience. If you pick a rookie, you have to be sure they are ready. I wasn't ready when first picked and we got one of the biggest hidings of all time. Whatever side we pick, I want the entire state to unite behind us.

Q: Do you feel pressure?

A: I don't at the moment but when the time comes there is pressure on everyone. It's the No.1 sporting contest in Australia. I will be nervous but know if I have prepared well then we will give ourselves the best possible chance.

Gal can shoulder burden

Paul GallenSource:Getty Images

Q: Paul Gallen will be your skipper but does look a player with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

A: Why wouldn't he? It's a trying time down there and, emotionally, all Cronulla players will be feeling it at some stage.

Gallen is the leader of the club and the face of the club so there is more focus on him. I am sure he is doing it tough and he would like it to be all over but there is a process. He is still performing very well and Gal is a guy we have a lot of respect for.

Q: Laurie, give us a quick appraisal on the form of both Nathan Merritt and Willie Mason.

A: Both those players would bring something to the table. I have coached both previously. They are mature players and would be ready if given a chance. At the moment they have a couple of players in front of them, but who knows what will happen over the next seven games.

Dugan bites as social media trolls bait hook

Q: Is Josh Dugan a fool or are the social media trolls unfairly targeting him?

A: He shouldn't have reacted the way he did. People out there go on these forums to cause trouble.

You have to be careful with everything you put out there because they are there forever and you can't take any of what is said back.

Josh is going through a bad period. He is a good kid but he needs to get his life back in order.

He needs support and guidance. Josh has to focus on football and then he can be good value to a club. But while he is in the mood he is at the moment, people and clubs will be standoffish.

Q: Should he be deregistered?

A: I don't think he needs to be deregistered at this stage. How long are you talking for?

Q: I am asking you.

A: He is learning some valuable lessons and is paying a price. When you make a mistake you are entitled to a second go.

Josh needs to get himself sorted before he even thinks about playing again. Some of the things he has done, they're not criminal offences but it's just not the right look when you are a professional player.

It's a disappointing time. You hope the person gets sorted before the footballer. I just hope he can get back and do what he does best - play footy.

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